Kent Street high flyer scores aviation scholarship

The success of Kent Street Senior High School's specialist aviation program has continued with another of its students being awarded the prestigious Minister for Education Flying Scholarship.

Year 11 student James Wright is the fourth Kent Street student in nine years to be awarded the scholarship, now valued at $3,000.

He won for displaying a high level of motivation, commitment and ability to achieve a career in the aviation industry.

Education Minister Liz Constable presented the award today and praised the continuing success of the school's aviation program.

"When the school's Head of Science Malcolm Yeo established the aeronautics program at Kent Street in 1979, it was the first program of its type in Western Australia," Dr Constable said.

"Since then it has grown considerably and been extended to many other schools in WA and elsewhere. It is now recognised as one of the leading programs of its type in the country.

"History shows that previous winners of this scholarship have gone on to exciting careers in the aviation industry, and I congratulate James on this outstanding achievement."

Farzan Kalantary, who won the award in 2000, now flies F-18 fighter aircraft after graduating as the dux of the RAAF pilot's course. Matthew Hindes, who won a scholarship in 2003, now flies Boeing 747 aircraft for Cathay Pacific Airlines.

The most recent winner Thomas Liew (2006) has nearly completed his training with the WA Aviation College and will soon enter the workforce as a commercial pilot.

Kent Street Senior High School principal Rod Beresford said James Wright, who also studied part-time at Canning College, was well-placed to achieve his goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot.

"James had a background in flying before he came to us and has proven that not only is he a highly able flyer, but also has a strong desire and passion to succeed," Mr Beresford said.

"I am delighted at the continuing ability of the program to enthuse students and provide a specialised pathway to aviation.

"Students who study our program acquire not only aviation skills but also important life skills like self-discipline and persistence."

All Year 11 aviation students in WA are eligible to apply for the scholarship. The successful applicant is chosen by a panel that includes an authorised testing officer and a commercial pilot.